Study Confirms That Losing Weight May Save Your Knees

The Arthritis Foundation'sblog featured a recent study done by the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), that stated losing weight helps protect knee cartilage which cushions the knee joint.

According to the study, weight loss seems to be protective of the knee joint and may slow the worsening of symptoms, such as pain and disability.

HSS hip and knee surgeon Geoffrey H. Westrich, MD, commented on the study's findings. "The end result for patients with progression of arthritis in the knee is total knee replacement surgery. While this surgery is clearly beneficial for pain relief, weight loss may slow the progression of osteoarthritis and delay [surgery] for obese and overweight patients."

Dr. Westrich said both exercise and weight loss are essential for joint health. “Start slowly and don’t be discouraged,” he said.